New requirements for Abu Dhabi health insurance came into force on 27 July 2010, and affect all foreign nationals living and working in the Emirate. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines for employers, Abu Dhabi health insurance providers and individuals.

The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) requirements state that for any businesses operating and employing staff in Abu Dhabi – health insurance is compulsory. These new regulations now place the responsibility for enforcement of the law on the insurer in relation to their Abu Dhabi clients.

Insurers are required to:

• Collect certain documents from customers and/or members to verify that they hold valid health insurance cover for individuals residing in Abu Dhabi (this will apply from the period starting as of 1 March 2009)
• Determine any period of violation (i.e. any employee not correctly insured) and collect a fine on behalf of HAAD if the member does not have valid cover as of 1 March 2009; and
• Send the collected fine and supporting documents to HAAD.

Fines

1. For each full month with a break in cover, the insurer must assess and collect an AED 300 (approximately 83 USD) per member fine.
2. For individuals obtaining their first working visa, the insurer must assess and collect an AED 100 (approximately 27 USD) per week fine. This excludes the first seven days from the date of arrival in Abu Dhabi.
3. The applicable fine shall be calculated as of 1 March 2009 and any fine prior to this date will not apply.
4. The applicable fine must be collected by insurer before issuing or renewing a policy.
5. The collected fine is then sent to HAAD on a monthly basis with the above referenced documents.

If you have employees in Abu Dhabi, health insurance should now be a priority. If you are unsure about your compliance with these regulations, please contact Stuart Dix at Bellwood Prestbury on +44 (0) 1242 584 558 who will be happy to carry out a free audit of your arrangements.